Wow, what a fantastic time we had at our Grayshott Community Orchard Quiz Night at the Village Hall on 17th October. There was a great atmosphere as teams pitted their wits against each other with team Mulberry coming out as winners after a tie break, narrowly beating team Damson. The Orchard quiz team worked incredibly hard in the weeks before and on the night to make the evening such a success, raising almost £1900 to help with maintenance costs and the development and educational and events area.

A massive shout-out must go to James, Sarah and Darren from Seymours Estate Agents Grayshott who, not only sponsor us financially, but they also turned out on a Friday night to run the bar! They were absolute stars 🌟.

We would also like to thank all the local businesses and supporters who kindly donated raffle prizes: Grayshott Pottery, The Bayleaf Grayshott, Champneys (Forest Mere), Hill & Co Home, Love Ruby Nails, SM Food and Wine, Trish L Liz W, Jenny B, Lizzie H, Catherine S and Deborah P.

Thanks must also go to Stephen, Steve and Vali at the Village Hall who were extremely helpful throughout. We are so lucky in Grayshott to have such a great facility.

Finally, a huge thank you goes to the teams for entering the quiz and generating such a brilliant atmosphere. We received so many lovely comments on the night and afterwards which has made all the effort worthwhile. Thank you all 🍏

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We took part for the first time in the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott event over the Bank Holiday weekend, and launched our Tree Adoption Scheme - as well as selling some delicious home-made cakes donated by volunteers. Many of the visitors had come to the Orchard for the first time and were amazed by the progress that has been made.

They were also impressed with the new information board at the gate opening from the Applegarth path. Huge thanks go to Annie Childs for her wonderful design on the permanent panel. A second board at the other gate, next to the Beech allotments, is on our to-do list.

If you would like to help us in the orchard or by Adopting a Tree, please see the Support page🍏

The big highlights for us in May were the official opening of the orchard by our local MP Greg Stafford and our first time participation in the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott event. The Chair, Bob Greggs, paid tribute to the foresight of the man who strived to get the whole idea off (or rather into) the ground, the late Colin Thompson. He was part of the Grayshott Green Spaces Group and got us to the point of finding our green space for an orchard, for the use of and free access by the whole community of Grayshott. Whilst Colin passed away last summer, it was not before he saw the orchard finally planted up.

The creation of the orchard was achieved with a great deal of help from the community at large, and particularly Grayshott Parish Council, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council's Hampshire Forest Partnership. Early funding came from a very generous donation from the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott team who continue to give much-needed financial support.

Greg Stafford MP presented prizes to the winners of Grayshott Primary School's Poster Competition. He then cut the ribbon and officially opened the orchard. Then Sebastian, Colin's grandson, unveiled a plaque in memory of Colin beside a plum, his favourite fruit tree, with Greg's assistance🍏